2008 Mazda MAZDA3 Review

Share this article

We rounded up a selection of the most popular compact sedans to see which would rise to the top: the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda MAZDA3, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, Chevy Cobalt or Nissan Sentra. Each of the cars in our comparison test featured an automatic transmission and four-cylinder engine and EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of at least 30 mpg. In the end, Kelley Blue Book subjected seven cars to more than 1,500 miles worth of poking, prodding and instrumented testing.

KBB Editors' Overview

By KBB.com Editors

It's now four years into the compact MAZDA3's model run, and demand remains high. The 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 continues to attract buyers, due to its attractive styling, impressive array of standard and optional features, good fuel economy and sporty handling. Few economy cars have enough style to sit beside an Audi A3 and look right at home, yet the MAZDA3 can do just that, and its starting price at slightly over $14,000 places it within the reach of most compact car buyers. The MAZDA3 is available in two body styles, with the four-door sedan offering two four-cylinder engine choices: A 2.0-liter or 2.3-liter. The five-door hatchback is available only with the larger engine. Both models are notably popular with drivers young and old, poking a big hole in the commonly-held belief that Americans won't buy hatchbacks.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're shopping for an economical small car that can be nicely equipped for around $18,000, check out the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3. Sharp styling and road-hugging handling are standard, as is a long list of uncommon options such as DVD navigation and Bose audio.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're searching for maximum passenger space, the MAZDA3's rear-seat legroom won't impress. Though no wimp, the 2.3-liter engine can't compete with the high-powered turbocharged engines from Subaru, Volkswagen and MINI.

We found the MAZDA3's handling to be simply superb, with incredibly tight steering that responds instantaneously to input. As we joyfully wound our way over a serpentine road, we were instantly reminded of other great compacts that evoked the same emotional response. Even though the MAZDA3 is a front-wheel-drive car, it exhibits very little torque steer. The secret ingredient for a faster, more thrilling MAZDA3 is the 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine of the s trim level. Though it has only 12 more horsepower than the 2.0-liter, the 2.3's low-end torque helps the MAZDA3 accelerate effortlessly. The optional automatic transmission features a quick shift from first to second gear for a faster response, making even steep hills no threat to rapid acceleration.

Favorite Features

DVD-Based Navigation UnitThe MAZDA3's optional DVD-based navigation unit is an unheard-of feature in a car in this price range.

HatchbackWho says Americans don't like hatchbacks? The new hot hatches are gaining converts for their looks and versatility.

Vehicle DetailsInterior

You can shop this segment until the cows come home and not find as handsome an interior as in the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3. A racy three-pod instrument cluster, red dash lighting and long list of standard and optional features make the MAZDA3 feel like a high-priced sports sedan. Front-seat occupants will find head- and legroom generous, although the passenger's seat does not offer adjustment for either lumbar support or height. The five-door model allows you to lug around bulky items that would not easily fit in the sedan's trunk. Two features missing from an otherwise well-planned interior are a rear hatch release switch and a retained power feature, the latter necessary to operate the power windows after the key is removed from the ignition.

Exterior

The MAZDA3's scorching exterior could easily have been penned by BMW or Alfa Romeo. The strong lines denote its performance abilities and look particularly attractive on the sporty five-door hatchback. A new front end features a revised grille and headlamp treatment with a large rectangular air intake and, on s trims, integrated rectangular fog lights. Sadly, heated exterior mirrors are still not available. The s models feature a multi-spoke wheel design that mimics the wheels of the CX-7 crossoverSUV.

The base 2.0-liter engine works just fine in this car when competing with similarly-sized engines from Ford, Toyota, Honda and Kia. Performance driving is more enjoyable with the larger 2.3-liter engine, which offers more low-end torque but also consumes more fuel. A new five-speed automatic with manual shift control is available only with the 2.3-liter engine.

The base MAZDA3 i sedan has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $14,500, while the MAZDA3 s starts just over $18,000. The five-door s Touring has an MSRP close to $19,000, and a fully loaded s Grand Touring with an automatic transmission tops out around $25,000. Demand for the MAZDA3 remains high, so you'll need to be on your toes when negotiating the best price. A look at the Fair Purchase Price page shows the typical transaction price for the MAZDA3, so be sure to check it out before you begin. We can't help but reiterate what a great bargain the MAZDA3 represents, a fact reinforced when looking at the car's excellent resale value.

Share this article

Find Deals Near You vehicles for sale matching Mazda MAZDA3 near Honolulu.See local deals